His courageous, highly publicised stand against allegedly substandard Marks & Spencer drawers, especially their 'support' deficiencies, will surely linger for a long time in the public mind.

Historian Andrew Roberts is a bantam cock figure, never frightened to respond if threatened by bullies.

Last year millionaire publisher Felix Dennis, 62, pictured, heckled him rudely at an Oldie literary lunch, saying Maoris - contrary to Roberts's thesis - were coerced into fighting for the allies in the First World War.

Speaking again yesterday - while publicising his new book, Masters and Commanders - Roberts said he had researched the matter again and discovered that Maoris had 'voted overwhelmingly' to take part in the war, concluding: 'Stick that in your pipe and smoke it, Mr Dennis.'